Trump’s escalation against Venezuela is about more than oil, it is about regaining control over the ‘natural’ zone of influence of the United States at a moment where its hegemony is slipping, argues VIJAY PRASHAD
MUNICIPAL elections took place in Venezuela on Sunday, electing 335 mayors. This was the 24th national election in Venezuela since 1998 and the third in less than four months, with presidential elections set to take place next year.
Some 9,139.564 people voted — a turnout of 47.23 per cent of the voting population, which compares favourably with the turnout of less than 30 per cent for all six elections for Britain’s “metro mayors” elections in May this year.
The turnout is particularly impressive considering that a number of right-wing opposition parties announced they would be boycotting the election.
The global left must be unwavering in it is support for Venezuela as Washington increases its aggression, and clear-eyed about the West’s cynical motives for targeting it, says CLAUDIA WEBBE



